Spotlight: Natalie Zisa

Natalie Zisa is a 2024 recipient of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Advancement in Animal Law Scholarship.

This award honors students who demonstrate a commitment to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission “to advance the interests and protect the lives of animals through the legal system.” Recipients are actively involved in their Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter while in law school and show promise in the field after graduation.

Natalie Zisa is entering her third year at Widener University Delaware Law School. With the help of her peers, she reactivated Delaware Law’s Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter and will serve her second term as President this year. She is also a law student member of the NJSBA Animal Welfare Law Special Committee. In 2023 she received a first-place award for Legislative Drafting and Lobbying in the National Animal Law Competitions.

What Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter activities are you proudest of and why?
Overall, I am most proud of the executive board’s work to reactivate the chapter this year and raise awareness about animal law across campus. Since the chapter was just reactivated, our goal was to spread awareness about the chapter’s revival through fundraising activities, volunteer trips, and guest speakers. I am especially proud of our collaboration with our school’s American Constitution Society Student Chapter. This past fall, SALDF and ACS co-hosted a virtual panel event featuring three esteemed guest speakers who discussed the many intersections between animal law and constitutional law. These joint events help create awareness, boost attendance, and have attracted new members to the chapter.

Any other noteworthy experience?
I am also very proud of the executive board’s work to enact our bi-annual newsletter, Paw Review. The newsletter focuses on legislative animal protection highlights in Delaware, important federal legislation, and the chapter’s accomplishments each semester. As a new organization on campus, the newsletter helps spread awareness about animal protection issues in the law and engage new members. I hope that by bringing awareness to these issues, our community of future lawyers will be inspired to advocate for animals through the Delaware legal system.

What is an animal law related goal of yours for the upcoming academic year?
While this past year we focused our efforts on creating awareness and recruiting members, this upcoming year our goal is to implement an animal law course at school. Our chapter’s successes this year have proved that there is substantial student interest and support in enacting this course. In addition to adding a course to our school’s curriculum, a personal goal of mine is to lobby legislation and drive animal protection in the Delaware legislature. Just last year, three bills were signed into law which increased protections for companion animals in Delaware. Several neighboring states have pending CAAP legislation, and it would be great to see Delaware move forward with CAAP legislation as well.

What are your plans/goals for post-graduation?
Upon graduation, I’d like to hone my legal research and writing skills through a fellowship or judicial clerkship. I came to law school to pursue a career in animal law, and my experiences thus far have only further affirmed my decision. My ultimate goal is to work in animal law through criminal justice and policy, either working with government prosecutors, legislators, or at an animal protection organization like ALDF. I am most passionate about animal research issues, companion animals, animals used in entertainment, and farmed animals exploited in our food system.

What is one piece of advice that you would like to pass on to other Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter leaders?
My advice for other student chapter leaders is to stay true to yourself and embrace your network. By staying authentic to your passion for animal law, your peers will recognize and respect your integrity, encouraging them to engage in animal rights efforts. Additionally, while law school is challenging, I’ve found that support from my peers has proven to be invaluable. I’m grateful for our executive board, members, and professors who are just as passionate about increasing legal protections for animals. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others! Invite other student organizations to collaborate on events, which will add new perspectives to conversations around animal law. When school gets stressful, lean into your community to help you stay grounded. If you live near an animal sanctuary, organize a volunteer trip with SALDF members. The time you spend with the animals will be very rewarding, and it will remind you of the great importance of this work.

Learn more about the other 2024 Advancement in Animal Law Scholarship winners.